But, I’m tired of hearing about it. When playing Cincinnati is somehow the win you hang your hat on to enter the Top 10 of College Football and demand respect, I’m like…”Okay, sure. Par for the course!”

Cupcake Parties

Yes, I get it. They’re undefeated. But, who have they played? Memphis? Nevermind the probable reality that they’d be .500 or lower in the SEC.

According to TeamRankings.com, Central Florida’s strength of schedule jumped from 80th to 72nd after beating a Top 25 Bearcats squad. Meanwhile, SEC teams (including Alabama, Georgia, and LSU sit in the top six positions for SOS).

After the spectacle Knights Nation put on this past spring, I was hoping one of these patsies would somehow pull an upset. But, that hasn’t happened. I think what really continues to irk me about this is that if Auburn hadn’t pouted their way to their way to the Peach Bowl we wouldn’t have had to endure these antics.

Don’t even get me started on the NCAA. They are cowards in all of this. Although, they did release a listing of national champions that had no mention of the Knights. Yet, the speculation still stirs in the sensationalist media.

The Committee Holds the Pacifier

Is the CFP Committee tired of it? I hope they are.

UCF should win next week over their rival South Florida (7-4) which would put them into the American Athletic Conference title game against either Houston or Memphis. The odds are certainly in their favor to win these next next two games and go undefeated. Will it be enough to sway the committee to give them a shot?

I want to see how they’d do against a Top 4 team. It might be much better than a lot of folks think. I’m fine with that. Heck, I’m even fine with a matchup against Bama. Let the winner be the winner. But, to keep letting these folks attempt to win the national championship via a PR campaign is disrespectful to the game that’s been a favorite of our country for well over a century.

The toddler of FBS football has been throwing a tantrum for so long that at some point you have to appease it to shut it up. Sure, it will mean leaving a more deserving team out. But, that’s where we are at this point.

I hope the Playoff Committee will fix what the NCAA seems too scared to tackle.

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]]>https://www.secbeyond.com/2018/11/18/please-put-ucf-into-the-college-football-playoff/feed/0Allen’s Draft Stock Rising; Vols take on Missourihttps://www.secbeyond.com/2018/11/16/allens-draft-stock-rising-vols-take-on-missouri/
https://www.secbeyond.com/2018/11/16/allens-draft-stock-rising-vols-take-on-missouri/#respondFri, 16 Nov 2018 18:28:15 +0000https://www.secbeyond.com/?p=1020The rise of Jeremy Pruitt took a big step forward this past weekend as Tennessee put a whooping on Kentucky. Alabama looked impressive once again, but they have a potential issue on their hands with Tua’s oft-injured knee. This weekend lacks the high-profile matchups we’ve seen lately, but we still have some critical games worth examining.

Player to Watch

A guy who I think deserves a ton of attention is Kentucky linebacker Josh Allen not to be confused with Bills rookie quarterback Josh Allen. He leads the SEC in sacks. He has 65 total tackles and five forced fumbles to boot. The guy is everywhere and is a huge reason why Kentucky’s defense has been one of the best in the SEC. Standing at 6’5 and weighing 260 pounds he projects as a next level player. He’s a high energy guy who has a nose for the football.

His draft stock seems to rise every week he touches the field. He keeps impressing scouts and has a lot of people who project him as a first-round talent.

Games of the Week

NFL

Chiefs vs. Rams

This is the matchup of the season. Both teams are 9-1 heading into this Monday night prime time showdown. The Rams have been doing what everyone expected of them. But the Chiefs have surprised the league with their hot throwing quarterback Patrick Mahomes. He’s been setting records on his way to a potential MVP season and playoff run.

Outside of Mahomes, the Chiefs have been relying on a bevy of weapons on offense and defense. I recently highlighted Dee Ford (Auburn) as a guy who is worth watching because of his pass rush ability. This week they’ll need Ford to step up big. But the Chiefs will also need guys like Justin Houston (Georgia), Reggie Ragland (Alabama), and Breeland Speaks (Ole Miss) to have outstanding games. The trio of linebackers will have tough matchups against the Rams offense. Their biggest challenge will be slowing down superstar running back Todd Gurley (Georgia).

The Rams likewise will have a tough test in front of them. The Chiefs feature an electric offense that hasn’t slowed down for a minute this season. They will, of course, lean heavily on their bell cow back Todd Gurley. They’ll be without a key member of their offense as wide receiver Cooper Kupp is out for the year after tearing his ACL.

This one will be a barn burner that goes down to the wire. I’m taking the Chiefs in this one. I think they have a more balanced team and the Rams will struggle a bit without Cooper Kupp.

Mon 11/19 8:15 ET- ESPN

Final Score: 42-38 Chiefs

SEC

Tennessee vs. Missouri

This will be one of the few SEC games worth watching this weekend. The Vols are clawing their way back to a bowl berth after an impressive upset win against the Wildcats. Missouri led by quarterback Drew Lock is a tough matchup for a young Vols secondary who have had trouble when targeted deep.

The Vols struggled in the early part of the season. Most people assumed things would be rough, but they looked awful. Pruitt has brought a level of expectation and consistency to this program that has been missing for some time. The players have visibly responded to his tutelage. Each game the Vols have gotten better, save for that Florida debacle. They haven’t lingered on a single loss but have taken a fresh approach each week. The rookie head coach has won two ranked SEC games in his first year and has an opportunity to go .500 in conference play if they win out. This will be an excellent benchmark for their program moving forward.

Missouri has had an up and down season. They’ve lost some tough games, but they’ve also had some surprise wins with the biggest one being against Florida. Their offense is one of the best in the SEC, and Drew Lock is a playmaker at quarterback. If they can keep the Vols defensive line in check and stretch the defense, they’ll have a good shot at winning the game.

I think Tennessee has a ton of momentum heading into this one and they’ll keep riding the wave.

Final Score: 33-24 Tennessee

MTSU vs. Kentucky

Let me begin by saying I am an MTSU alum, so I am 100% biased here. This matchup could prove to be problematic for Kentucky though. They are coming off a painful loss to Tennessee that put a nail in any chances of making the playoffs. They turn around and seemingly have an easy matchup with an opponent outside the power five. But this MTSU squad is nothing to joke around with. They’ve been hot lately, and this will be their third SEC matchup this season. They won’t be scared or intimidated by Big Blue.

This is a dark horse upset alert game. If Kentucky lingers over that loss to Tennessee, then they run the chance of getting beat by another squad from the state of Tennessee. Kentucky will have the advantage on defense. MTSU will need to keep Benny Snell under wraps if they want to sneak out a win. But if they can manage to keep him at bay, they should have a fair chance at winning. This Kentucky offense is atrocious outside of their league-leading rusher Snell.

MTSU has put some players into the NFL lately, and some of those guys have become key players for their teams. Perhaps none of them have been as successful as the Mayor of Murfreesboro, and Titans All-Pro safety, Kevin Byard. He’s one of the best safeties in football on one of the best defenses in the NFL. They’ve got one of the leading passers in the NCAA on their team in lefty Brent Stockstill. He’s third on the active NCAA passing yards list, and he just passed SEC legends Peyton Manning (Tennessee), and Chris Leak (Florida) on the all-time passing yards list. He’s thrown for over 11,000 yards and has over 100 total touchdowns, yet you’ve probably never even heard of him. Their offensive coordinator is a guy by the name of Tony Franklin, he’s helped mold Stockstill. Just ask Jared Goff about him. This offense can put points on the board in a hurry, so Kentucky will need to be locked in defensively.

Kentucky won’t linger over their loss last week and will get things done versus a tough MTSU squad who is fighting for the number one spot in their conference.

Sat 11/17 1:00 ET- SECN

Final Score: 34-24 Kentucky

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]]>https://www.secbeyond.com/2018/11/16/allens-draft-stock-rising-vols-take-on-missouri/feed/0Julio gets back in the end zone; Auburn and Georgia face offhttps://www.secbeyond.com/2018/11/09/julio-gets-back-in-the-end-zone-auburn-and-georgia-face-off/
https://www.secbeyond.com/2018/11/09/julio-gets-back-in-the-end-zone-auburn-and-georgia-face-off/#respondFri, 09 Nov 2018 23:11:22 +0000https://www.secbeyond.com/?p=1012Last weekend we finally got the answer we’ve been waiting on all season; can anyone beat Alabama? They clapped back with a resounding no in their dominant win over LSU. Let’s take a look at this week’s key players and matchups.

Player to Watch

Former Alabama standout and superstar wide receiver Julio Jones is someone I want to highlight this week. The guy is a freak of nature. There is no one in the league who can cover this guy. He demands a double team on every single play. In the red zone, entire defenses are shaped around what he can do. Jones has been a top tier receiver since his rookie season.

He finally broke his mind-boggling touch down drought last week. I expect him to keep finding the end zone as the season progresses. He’s on pace for a career year in yards and catches so it should follow that his touchdown total will even out by the end of the season. For fantasy owners, his production can be maddening. His lack of touchdowns severely hurts his potential. He may put up elite stats, but that doesn’t translate well to fantasy production unless he’s scoring touchdowns. I think the dog days are over though. He’s too good to keep bottled up for very long.

Games of the Week

SEC

Auburn vs. #5 Georgia

Georgia is inching back closer to a playoff spot after a signature win against ninth-ranked Kentucky. They’ve been clinging to their top 10 ranking while looking mediocre all season long. But wins don’t lie. They keep giving themselves opportunities to survive and advance. They face a stiff test this weekend though as Auburn is looking like they’ve gained new life following an upset win against Texas A&M.

Auburn is unranked at the moment, but they are one of the first teams outside the AP Top 25. If they keep battling and winning games, they can creep back up the rankings and possibly secure a premier bowl game. They’ve got two incredibly tough tests in front of them though. The one being Alabama in the Iron Bowl. And the other is, of course, fifth-ranked Georgia. Gus Malzahn has taken a lot of flack for some uninspiring games, but if he can win this weekend, everyone will be singing praises.

I made the mistake of betting against Georgia last week. I won’t make the same mistake twice. They’ll win this game easily if they can control the ground game. Auburn happens to have one of the best defensive lines in the SEC so that will be the critical matchup to watch.

Sat 11/10 7:00 ET- ESPN

Final Score: 35-28 Georgia

#18 Mississippi State vs. #1 Alabama

Alabama is unstoppable. They have won every single game they’ve played by at least 22 points or more. For all of those who say they haven’t played anyone all year long that clearly didn’t matter last weekend as they handily beat then third-ranked LSU by a score of 29-0. With that being said the SEC is still a minefield that doesn’t end until the last game is played. Mississippi State is a top 25 matchup and not a team to take lightly. Alabama can still lose, but it would be a massive surprise if they do.

Mississippi State has somehow hung around all year long despite having one of the worst passing games in the SEC. Nick Fitzgerald is a terrific runner. But he is a terrible passer. He’s coming off a four-touchdown performance, but he’ll be hard-pressed to match that production against Alabama’s talented defense. Alabama will be blitzing and forcing pressure on Fitzgerald all night long. He may wiggle out of some jams and break a couple of big runs, but that’ll be the extent of their offense. Fans will be screaming for backup Keytaon Thompson to be in the game by the end of the first quarter.

Sat 11/10 3:30 ET- CBS

Final Score: 38-10 Alabama

NFL

Patriots vs. Titans

The Patriots are rolling now that they have all their offensive weapons back. The Rams may have the best roster in football, but as long as Tom Brady is behind center, then the Patriots will be king of the castle. I’ve covered the Patriots a bunch this season so that I won’t go into too much depth, but I think their biggest X-factor Cordaralle Patterson (Tennessee). He’s their gadget player who can do a little bit of everything. He’s an electric returner, a serviceable receiver, and a dynamic running back. Being a Tennessee guy, I think he’ll have a big game being back in the Volunteer state.

The Titans have scrapped and clawed their way through all their games and are cruising after a Monday Night victory over the Cowboys. The Titans have been called the Patriots South and for a good reason. Their brain trust is manned by Jon Robinson a former Patriots front office man. He quickly brought in a core of talented Patriots players starting with cornerback Logan Ryan. They’ve modeled their approach after arguably the best team of all time so kudos to them.

One of the most significant flaws of this team though is their lack of offense. Granted they’ve got a young group of guys on offense, but they struggle mightily to move the ball. It all starts with former Heisman winner, quarterback Marcus Mariota. He’s shown flashes of brilliance, but he has yet to consistently produce week in and week out. The Titans have another Heisman winner on the roster, running back Derrick Henry (Alabama). This was supposed to be his big breakout year after an impressive playoff performance against the Chiefs. He’s struggled all season but so has the whole offense. They looked good against the Cowboys after a string of horrible plays in the 1st quarter. They can’t expect to make a recovery like that against the Patriots though.

Much like Alabama, you’re crazy if you bet against the Patriots. The Titans may have one of the best defenses in football, but I think Belichick will crush his protégé team.

Sun 11/11 1:00 ET- CBS

Final Score: 24-13 Patriots

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]]>https://www.secbeyond.com/2018/11/09/julio-gets-back-in-the-end-zone-auburn-and-georgia-face-off/feed/0Ford Sacking the NFL; Two Top 10 SEC Battleshttps://www.secbeyond.com/2018/11/02/ford-sacking-the-nfl-two-top-10-sec-battles/
https://www.secbeyond.com/2018/11/02/ford-sacking-the-nfl-two-top-10-sec-battles/#respondFri, 02 Nov 2018 18:44:52 +0000https://www.secbeyond.com/?p=1004Last week saw Kentucky keep their train rolling with a thrilling win over Missouri. They jumped into the top ten with their performance. This week has some even bigger matchups that will have a tremendous effect on the playoff rankings.

Player to Watch

NFL

I usually don’t highlight defensive players, but this former Auburn player has enormous upside. Dee Ford (Auburn) was selected in the first round of the 2014 draft by Kansas City. He still plays for the Chiefs. Ford has yet to reach his full potential, but he’s on a great pace during his fifth season. He suffered a season-ending injury last season and only played in six games after tallying ten sacks in 2016. Ford has continued that momentum from 2016 this season.

Through eight games he already has eight sacks. If he keeps his progression, then he will hit the potential that got him drafted 23rd overall. The Chiefs are being raved about because of their offense, but it’s their defense that will ultimately get them deep into the playoffs. They’ll need Dee to keep the pressure up.

Games of The Week

NFL

Steelers vs. Ravens

This is one of the best rivalries in all of football. It always seems like the season is on the line when these two teams play each other, and this year is no different.

The Steelers are coming into their own after struggling in the early part of the season. They have figured out how to win without star running back Leveon Bell who is in the middle of a contract holdout. James Connor stepped in and took the reigns and has been one of the best backs in the NFL. They’ll need Connor to have a big game against a stout Raven’s defense. The Steelers, on the flip side, will need strong games from guys like Mike Hilton (Ole Miss) and Cam Sutton (Tennessee). Both of whom play in the secondary. The Ravens have a resurgent passing game, so the Steelers will need their cornerbacks to be lockdown.

The Ravens have been one of the surprise front-runners after adding some weapons on the outside for Flacco. Their team goes as Joe Flacco goes. The front office realized this in the offseason and promptly gave him weapons on the outside. They also drafted a quarterback by the name of Lamar Jackson to add some pressure. The writing was on the wall, but Flacco has shaken off all the noise from critics and is having a good season now that he has actual receivers. The Ravens will lean heavily on their offense, but it’s their defense that shines brightly. They have a core of Alabama players on their defense, and they all make plays. Guys like Tim Williams, Marlon Humphrey, CJ Mosley, and Anthony Averett are all contributors on their side of the ball. Mosley is the clear leader of that pack though.

This game could go either way, but I think the Steelers have been too up and down this season and have shown some tendencies of a team torn by the Bell drama. The Ravens look legit and will be raring to go in this one.

Sun 11/4 1:00 ET- CBS

Final Score: 35-24 Ravens

SEC

#6 Georgia vs. #9 Kentucky

The SEC East is on the line this weekend in a top 10 matchup. Georgia has dipped in the rankings after starting the season in the top four. Kentucky has been the biggest surprise of the season so far as they have finally climbed inside the top 10 at number nine.

Georgia has looked like one of the weakest playoff contenders this season. They’ve done their job and won their big games except for their matchup against LSU, but that was a game Georgia could stand to lose. They haven’t looked dominate though. And to add to their woes, they’ve hardly had any defensive presence from their pass rush. That won’t matter as much this week against Kentucky since they have the worst passing offense in the SEC. But that defensive line is going to have their hands full trying to slow down star running back Benny Snell Jr.

Kentucky has made it this far on defense and running the football. Their defense is one of the best in the country. They don’t give up points. It just doesn’t happen. I’ve mentioned how bad their passing game is but with an elite defense all you need is an excellent running game, so you can chew up clock and drive the field. Even if you walk away with field goals, you’re happy because you know you can stop the other team from scoring. But they will need their superstar Benny Snell to have a monster game if they want to keep up with Georgia.

This is one of the more exciting games of the season in my opinion. A win by Kentucky sets in motion a chain of events that could potentially see them in the playoffs. A win by Georgia and they inch closer to jumping back into the top four.

I’m very high on Kentucky. They’ve managed to win games when it has mattered most, and I think their brand of football is a bad matchup for Georgia. I think Kentucky will pull away late in the game in a low scoring contest.

Sat 11/3 3:30 ET- CBS

Final Score: 17-13 Kentucky

#1 Alabama vs. #4 LSU

What other conferences can you think of that can boast two top 10 matchups on the same day? The answer is none. It seems like LSU has played 8 top 10 teams this season. They may not be the most talented in the country, but you can’t deny their resume, ahem UCF fans.

Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but Alabama is the best team in the country this year and possibly ever. They look unstoppable on offense. Tua scores on almost every drive. Their defense is ridiculous, and they score more points than some offenses out there. LSU doesn’t have the firepower to compete with Alabama’s offense. They do however have the defensive presence to go toe to toe with Alabama.

The biggest question in this game is what happens after? Say Alabama loses, does that mean they are out of the top four? And say LSU loses does that mean that they miss the playoff bubble? They’ll be in a bottleneck with either Kentucky or Georgia for those 5-7 spots. Regardless of the outcomes, this weekend is going to be a cluster for the rankings.

I will never bet against Alabama but if you were going to do it then now is the time. Their biggest test of the season will be against LSU. It still won’t matter though. Alabama will cruise to a win in the second half after a back and forth first half.

Sat 11/3 8:00 ET- CBS

Final Score: 38-27 Alabama

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]]>https://www.secbeyond.com/2018/11/02/ford-sacking-the-nfl-two-top-10-sec-battles/feed/0Kerryon shines for the Lions; Top 10 SEC Battle previewhttps://www.secbeyond.com/2018/10/26/kerryon-shines-for-the-lions-top-10-sec-battle-preview/
https://www.secbeyond.com/2018/10/26/kerryon-shines-for-the-lions-top-10-sec-battle-preview/#respondFri, 26 Oct 2018 20:38:52 +0000https://www.secbeyond.com/?p=991This past weekend proved two things for many football fans. College referees and fans alike have no idea what constitutes a targeting penalty. And in the NFL, nobody knows how you’re supposed to hit a quarterback. Thankfully this weekend we’ve got some huge matchups that should help us get over the chaos that is rulemaking in football.

Player to Watch

I’ve highlighted Lions running back Kerryon Johnson before, but I’d like to come back to him now that the season has progressed some.

He’s coming off the best game of his young career against the Dolphins. He rushed 19 times for 158 yards and had two receptions for 21 yards. Unfortunately for fantasy owners, Johnson failed to get into the end zone, so his massive game didn’t generate a ton of points.

The Lions rely heavily upon their running back stable and bruising back LeGarrette Blount gets most of the goal line carries as a result. The lack of goal-line opportunities hurts Johnson’s fantasy potential, but if he can keep breaking big runs like he did last week, then he will find the end zone sooner rather than later. He’s a good choice for a flex/RB2 spot every week here on out.

Games of the Week

NFL

Packers Vs. Rams

This is a matchup of two NFC powerhouses. Aaron Rodgers has the Packers flying high on offense yet again. The Rams look like the most complete team in football and are the early favorite for Super Bowl winner.

Rodgers will need some big-time plays from some of his playmakers if they want to survive in LA. Guys like Devante Adams and Randall Cobb (Kentucky) will need to make something happen with their opportunities because LA’s defense is no joke. On defense, they need takeaways to keep themselves off the field against the potent Rams offense. Safety Ha-Ha Clinton Dix is tied for the league lead in interceptions, so they’ll need to rely on him to make an impact.

The Rams live and die with running back Todd Gurley (Georgia). He is the most dynamic player in the NFL right now, and he’s the reason why the Rams are the best team in football right now. Outside of that, they have the best defensive player on the planet in Aaron Donald. He does things that no other interior lineman can do, and he can wreak havoc on a quarterback if given the opportunity.

This game will be a back and forth affair. I think the Rams playing at home will be too much for Rodgers and company though.

Sun 10/28 4:25 ET- FOX

Final Score: 48-42 Rams

SEC

#9 Florida vs. #7 Georgia

It seems like every week we have a top 10 SEC matchup. This week is no different with the SEC East showdown between Florida and Georgia.

The Gators are rolling. They are enjoying a five-game win streak after a slow as molasses start to the season. The Tennessee game jump-started them, and they haven’t slowed down since. They’re winning on a combination of defensive pressure and solid overall offensive production. They’ve got numerous weapons and a clutch quarterback. That combination is a surefire way to win ball games in any division of football, but it’s paramount in the SEC. Once again they’ll need Feleipe Franks to have a great day if they expect to win this ball game.

The Bulldawgs are licking their wounds after LSU pounced on them for 36 points on Saturday. They fell out of the top four but are still firmly in the top 10. This game decides the season for Georgia. If they lose, they will be out of playoff contention and more than likely out of the SEC championship game as well. However, if they win, then they will add a critical big-time win to their resume and give them a significant argument against a team like Notre Dame or Ohio State.

I won’t make the mistake of doubting Florida again this season. I think Georgia is starting to show some definite weaknesses. The most jarring being their lack of pass rush, they’re last in the conference with only nine sacks so far. Florida jumps into the playoff conversation with a huge road win.

Sat 10/27 3:30 ET- CBS

Final Score: 35-31 Florida

#16 Texas A&M vs. Mississippi State

This game is intriguing for multiple reasons. The biggest being the quarterback controversy that is brewing in Starkville. The SEC’s all-time leading rushing quarterback, Nick Fitzgerald, is a major liability as a passer. Fans and critics alike have been pushing for a quarterback change all season long. Their offense is sporadic because of the lack of a downfield passing attack. They have a kid on their roster that is athletic and can throw the football.

Jimbo Fisher has his team hanging around still at this point in the season. These are the sort of games he has to win if he wants to keep the Aggie faithful in his good graces. The SEC West is a minefield to walk through for head coaches. With so many high-level teams it’s easy to forget about the unranked teams and possibly look them over for a bigger game down the schedule. If A&M does that, then they will be in for a long day.

Ultimately, I think the Aggies have too many weapons on offense with guys like Trayveon Williams and Kellen Mond for the Bulldogs to stop. Jimbo picks up a nice road win and inches his team closer to the top 10.

Sat 10/27 7:00 ET- ESPN

Final Score: 42-21 Texas A&M

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]]>https://www.secbeyond.com/2018/10/26/kerryon-shines-for-the-lions-top-10-sec-battle-preview/feed/0Third Saturday in October: Jeudy and Tide take on Volshttps://www.secbeyond.com/2018/10/17/third-saturday-in-october-jeudy-and-tide-take-on-vols/
https://www.secbeyond.com/2018/10/17/third-saturday-in-october-jeudy-and-tide-take-on-vols/#respondWed, 17 Oct 2018 20:09:13 +0000https://www.secbeyond.com/?p=982It was upset city in the SEC last week as Georgia bowed to LSU and Tennessee broke their 11-game conference losing streak against tumbling Auburn. With a full slate of action, this week has the chance to be just as shocking.

Player to Watch

Alabama has tons of talent. They arguably have more talent on their roster than any team in the country. That is especially evident at the wide receiver position. Sophomore Jerry Jeudy has become a household name through the first half of the season thanks in part to his ridiculous stat line. He already has nine touchdowns and 705 receiving yards. What is even more impressive about those stats is that he has managed to do all that while only catching 26 balls. That comes out to an average of 27.1 yards per catch. Those are ridiculous numbers. If he continues that pace he will hold all the single-season receiving records at Alabama.

His athleticism and speed are what help him separate from defenders. It, of course, helps that he has the best quarterback in the country throwing him the ball, but the same argument can be made for Tua Tagovailoa that he has the best wide receiver in the country to throw to. Expect Jeudy to torch the Tennessee secondary on Saturday. He may have a career day against a young and inexperienced secondary who have had trouble with speedsters.

Games of the Week

NFL

Texans vs. Jaguars

Heading into the season, the AFC South looked to be one of the toughest divisions in all of football. So far, they’ve been mediocre at best. The Titans looked strong early, but haven’t scored a touchdown in 8 straight quarters. The Colts were supposed to be a team to watch with Andrew Luck back, but they’ve been awful. The Texans with their young phenom quarterback Deshaun Watson coming back from injury were thought to be a top 15 team. They’ve been questionable. The Jaguars made it all the way to the AFC championship game last season, but they’re coming off of a 40-7 trouncing by the Cowboys. In short, the AFC South hasn’t lived up to the hype, but that doesn’t make this matchup any less crucial.

The Texans need a win against a division foe in they to want to make a late playoff push. Their time is now. They need Deshaun Watson to play up to the potential he flashed last season before suffering his season-ending knee injury. They also need their incredibly gifted defense to put the clamp down on their opponents if they want to win ball games. They have JJ Watt back this year, and he’s been dominant early. Opposite Watt, they have once in a lifetime athlete Jadeveon Clowney (South Carolina). He’s had a slow start to his career but has put up increasingly better numbers. One only has to watch the hit he delivered in college against Michigan to understand his talent level. Add to that mix former Arizona Cardinal safety Tyrann Mathieu (LSU) who was signed in free agency this offseason, and you have a fearsome defense.

As scary as the Texans defense is they aren’t even the best in their division. That distinction belongs to the Jacksonville Jaguars. They don’t call them Sacksonville for no reason. Their front seven is the best in football bar none. Their secondary is nothing to scoff at either with a couple of all-pro cornerbacks in Jalen Ramsey and AJ Bouye. The big question mark for this team is if starting running back Leonard Fournette (LSU) can play. He’s dealing with a hamstring injury which can be notoriously unpredictable. If he’s ready to go, that will provide a boost to the Jags offense which might make the difference in the game.

This will be a low scoring affair with these tremendous defenses facing off. However, I think the Jaguars bounce back after a tough loss.

Sun 10/21 1:00 ET- FOX

Final Score: 17-13 Jaguars

SEC

#1 Alabama vs. Tennessee

The third Saturday in October is akin to a National Holiday in the states of Tennessee and Alabama. Anytime two of the biggest programs in the country face off it’s going to be a huge deal. But when those teams play each other every year, it becomes a tradition unrivaled in its passion and intensity. Folks look forward to this game all year long. Family events and occasions are planned around this date. Go ahead and mark it out on the calendar because you’ll be on a couch somewhere surrounded by friends, family, food, and football. Regardless of team rank, this game is always competitive. Alabama is once again the top-ranked team in the nation. That is fact Tennessee has become accustomed to when these two face off. The all-time record has grown in Alabama’s favor in the past decade, but this rivalry runs deep with some legendary games and moments. You’ll want to be tuned into this one for sure.

Tennessee is coming off a massive win against Auburn on the road. First-year coach Jeremy Pruitt has checked one of the huge boxes of his early tenure, and that’s winning an SEC game. His young squad did that against the 21st ranked Tigers which is even more impressive. They still have a long, long, long way to go before they become a contender, but Pruitt has his team playing hard and in synch. They’ve gotten better each game which is all you can ask of this team after the Butch Jones era. They’ll face their toughest test of the season with Alabama though.

Alabama is beyond a well-oiled machine at this point. They are the best team in the country year in and year out. It’s reached the time where fans are becoming bored with all the winning. This Saturday is a good chance for the fan base to get engaged again. Vol twitter is one of the most savage places on the internet, so I’m sure there will be some fun online entertainment all week long.

As much as I was impressed by Tennessee’s upset win against Auburn, and as much as I’m a sucker for rivalry games, there’s just no way Alabama loses this game. Add in the extra caveat of Saban destroying all his proteges in head to head matchups and it’s Alabama all the way. I do think Tennessee will keep this a close game for much of the game though.

Sat 10/20 3:30 ET- CBS

Final Score: 42-31 Alabama

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(Photo 247Sports)

]]>https://www.secbeyond.com/2018/10/17/third-saturday-in-october-jeudy-and-tide-take-on-vols/feed/0Ingram and Kamara back together, Top 15 Battle in the SEChttps://www.secbeyond.com/2018/10/12/ingram-and-kamara-back-together-top-15-battle-in-the-sec/
https://www.secbeyond.com/2018/10/12/ingram-and-kamara-back-together-top-15-battle-in-the-sec/#respondFri, 12 Oct 2018 00:24:37 +0000https://www.secbeyond.com/?p=972Are you still recovering from a wild weekend of football? We’ve got you covered with this upcoming weekend’s top games and players.

Players to Watch

NFL

The Saints were in the headlines this week because of their longtime quarterback Drew Brees. He broke Peyton Manning’s short held record of most passing yards of all time on Monday night against the Redskins. It was a glorious moment in a shining career. Well, this week we decided to put the spotlight on a fellow Saint’s player who just returned from a suspension, running back Mark Ingram (Alabama). He is the other half of their ridiculous running back duo, the other being Alvin Kamara (Tennessee). Ingram immediately got things going Monday night with two rushing touchdowns.

Anyone who thought he would need some time to ease back into the offense was sadly mistaken. The chemistry we saw last year is still there. Ingram doesn’t have the big play ability that Kamara does, but he is a powerful runner who excels in the red zone. That’s why I love him as an RB2 fantasy option. He is reliable and will almost always give you a touchdown. The Saints offense looks like It is firing on all cylinders now that Ingram is back. Expect them to keep shredding defenses and for Ingram to keep racking up touchdowns.

SEC

I have ragged on the Florida Gators all year, but they continue to chug along and pass each test thrown their way. At times they have looked sloppy and like a bad football team. But the beauty of the SEC is that the win-loss column is all that matters. Feleipe Franks is looking like a true leader for the Gators. His play has been up and down in his young career, but as of late he has put together some impressive performances. Against LSU, Franks led his team to a come from behind victory. His stats won’t blow you away, but with a terrific defense on his side, all he needs to do is be consistent and push the ball down the field. They only have one remaining game against a ranked opponent, but they still must face four SEC squads and Florida State at the end of the year. If Florida wants to continue to win, they’ll need big performances from their guy Feleipe.

Games of the Week

NFL

Steelers vs. Bengals

The long-standing rivalry between these two teams is well documented. No matter how their seasons are going both teams always show up to play in this game.

The Steelers are still without Leveon Bell as he continues his holdout and with the Earl Thomas fiasco can anyone blame him at this point? In recent years the Steelers offense has been what carries this team, but they haven’t looked the same without Bell. James Connor has done outstanding as his backup, but he’s not the all-world talent that Bell is.

Andy Dalton and the Bengals need a win against their division foe if they want to have a shot at the playoffs. They’ll have some good matchups in this one. AJ Green (Georgia) will feast against the porous Steelers secondary. This game has the potential to be a barn burner with both teams relying heavily on their offense. I think the Steelers will outlast their division rivals though and earn a tough road victory.

Sun 10/14- 1:00 PM ET- CBS

Final Score: 35-31 Steelers

SEC

#2 Georgia vs. #13 LSU

After suffering an upset loss to Florida last week, LSU turns right around with another incredibly tough matchup against second-ranked Georgia. The Bulldawgs will be ready to eat against a sliding LSU squad.

If it weren’t for the Crimson Tide, Georgia would be the darlings of all the national attention. Somehow though, they’ve managed to stay quiet all year long as the 2nd ranked team in the country. They’ve done everything they were supposed to, but they haven’t looked as sharp as last year. Some of that has to do with player turnover. They still have an abundance of depth and talent at every position. LSU has a stout defense, but I think Georgia has too many playmakers to account for.

LSU and their defense will keep this a close game, but ultimately Georgia will pull away in the second half.

Sat 10/13- 3:30 PM ET- CBS

Final Score: 38-21 Georgia

#14 Florida vs. Vanderbilt

The hot rolling Florida Gators matchup with Derek Mason and his Commodores this week.

Vanderbilt is a well-built team that has played some good games despite their record. They don’t let up easy and won’t back down to the Gators. Mason as always has his defensive unit playing lights out and they should give the Florida offense fits.

As I mentioned above this Florida squad is led by their undisputed leader on offense, quarterback Feleipe Franks. They go as he goes. Dan Mullen will be praying that he’s locked in this week. This is just the type of SEC game that Saban called a “trap” game earlier in the year. Everything points to a Florida win, but nothing is guaranteed in this league.

I think this one goes down to the wire, but Florida will emerge victoriously.

Sat 10/13- 12:00 PM ET- ESPN

Final Score: 27-24 Florida

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(Photo Courtesy Gator Sports)

]]>https://www.secbeyond.com/2018/10/12/ingram-and-kamara-back-together-top-15-battle-in-the-sec/feed/0Michel and Chubb impress, Previewing LSU/Gators and A&M/Kentuckyhttps://www.secbeyond.com/2018/10/04/962/
https://www.secbeyond.com/2018/10/04/962/#respondThu, 04 Oct 2018 23:23:41 +0000https://www.secbeyond.com/?p=962Another wild weekend of football is in the books. The standings are starting to take shape. The players and the non-players alike are beginning to show themselves. Let’s take a glimpse at who’s going to show up to work this week.

Players to Watch

NFL

This one is really a tandem choice. Something these two players are very familiar with in their careers. Former Georgia running backs Sony Michel and Nick Chubb both had breakout games in week four. Chubb put up a ridiculous stat line that made me refresh my phone numerous times to make sure I wasn’t crazy. He had 105 yards and two touchdowns. Right, nothing too crazy there. He managed to do that on only THREE touches. He’s the first player to ever do that and of course this only something that a Browns player could accomplish. It is mind-blowing to me that he didn’t get more touches in this one after a stat line like that. I understand they were in a shootout, but this guy was the most explosive player on the field Sunday, you’ve got to figure out how to get him the ball more.

Patriots running back Sony Michel had a 100-yard game as well but on substantially more touches. He toted the rock 25 times for 112 yards and score. With injuries to their once deep running back rotation the Patriots will need to cultivate the Michel and James White duo. It won’t be the same as the Dion Lewis and White tandem, but it can be equally as effective. Michel can be the workhorse back in this offense. They like to pull their guards which gives Michel a chance for some quick hitting runs where he can plant and go. Expect him to continue to build momentum as the season progresses. The entire offense is getting better, so Michel will benefit from the cohesion.

Both backs are still second tier fantasy options. They have the potential to have huge games, but their inconsistent fantasy production is driven by the fact that each of their teams have multiple running back choices. With that being said I would keep both players in mind as RB2 options as you set your lineups each week.

Games of the Week

NFL

Jaguars vs. Chiefs

The highest scoring offense in the league matches up with the lowest scoring defense in the league in this one.

The Chiefs are lighting the world on fire with first-year starter Patrick Mahomes at quarterback. Shout out to those lucky few who bought into the hype early and drafted Mahomes in their fantasy league. He’s a hot commodity in an otherwise slow fantasy year for quarterbacks. The Chiefs are rolling. They survived a thriller in Denver on Monday night. They’ve got another tough test with the jags.

The Jaguars are living up to the name they built for themselves last year as the best defense in the league. They’ve got the right combination of guys up front and in the back end of the defense. Their defense is littered with former SEC talent. Most all of them are standout players at their position which is why this defense is so scary. Their offensive production is the icing on the cake for this team. They go as Bortles goes. But they also have star running back Leonard Fournette (LSU) to help anchor production. He’s as good as they come when healthy. And an absolute RB1 when available.

I think the AFC South has quietly become one of the best divisions in football. Everyone knows how good the Jaguars defense is, but I believe their offense is good enough to turn them into an elite team. They’ll hold Mahomes in check and Bortles will have another good game.

Sun 10/7- 1:00 PM ET- CBS

Final Score: 28-21 Jaguars

SEC

#5 LSU vs. #22 Florida

Joe Burrow is starting to settle into the LSU offense and establish himself as a good quarterback. They need the offensive spark he provides if they want to keep their streak going. They face another tough conference test with the 22nd ranked Florida Gators.

The Gators were low on many analysts and media pundits lists before the season. It took a couple of vital wins early, but the Gators are picking up some steam in the rankings. If they can pull out the upset against the fifth-ranked Tigers, then they will have a chance to be in the running with Georgia for the Eastern crown. They still have a long way to go in many facets, but anything is possible. I’m still not 100% sold on them being a great team. I think that Tennessee game got out of hand more because of how sloppy Tennessee was with the ball. Several of the six total turnovers were unforced, so Florida was catching breaks left and right in that game.

Ed Orgeron has been coaching for a long time. It looks like he may have been the perfect fit for this team. The players seem to have bought into his program, and everyone is playing together. The result is an undefeated team heading into week six. I think they keep the magic alive and make it to 6-0 versus a questionable Florida squad.

Sat 10/6- 3:30 PM ET- CBS

Final Score: 38-21 LSU

Texas A&M vs. #13 Kentucky

Don’t let the rankings or the records fool you. This game is a much better matchup than it appears. The Aggies are 3-2 on the season with losses to fourth-ranked Clemson and first-ranked Alabama. Those are some high-quality losses if you consider that a thing. Kentucky may be undefeated, but they’ve yet to face a team with anywhere near the talent the teams above have.

I have fully bought into the idea that Kentucky is a good team. Not because I’m suddenly hopping on the bandwagon. The success has been building for several years. They have continued to put a better product on the field from one year to the next. And it has culminated into a highly competitive SEC football team. In a relatively weak era of SEC East football, they have a chance to be one of the better teams for the next several years. Right now, they are being led by running back phenom Benny Snell. I have raved about him all year, and he’s continued to impressive week in and week out.

The Aggies are loaded on both sides of the ball, but the pressure is reaching a critical point in Jimbo Fisher’s first year. This week he’s been dealing with the repercussions of a highly disputed outburst with a player where he angrily grabbed the kid’s facemask. Ten years ago, that wouldn’t have been a big deal but in the highly scrutinized environment we live in any altercation is bound to be spotlighted. From the outside, it looks like this A&M squad may need some time to fully catch on to the Jimbo Fisher way of life.

Big Blue gets the big win this weekend in a late thriller. Benny Snell becomes everyone’s favorite running back as he leads his team to a victory with 3+ touchdowns.

Sat 10/6- 7:00 PM ET- ESPN

Final Score: 42-38 Kentucky

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If you’ll remember I predicted a Tennessee upset over Florida at home under the lights of Neyland. I decided to further my torment by heading up to Knoxville to witness the action myself. The weather was great. The storms never made it to Knoxville, but the cool weather did.

Gameday Vibes

The buzz around the Tennessee campus was intense. Fraternity row was a rowdy crowd as always. Fans were chomping at the bit to get the game going. A night game equates to a long day for those dedicated fans who like to get the ball rolling early in the morning. A handful had to be dragged into the stadium by their honorable but equally intoxicated brethren. Suffice to say the Florida/Tennessee rivalry is as alive as ever.

Things started off ominous enough as the ordinarily sold-out stadium was a couple thousand short. Weather may have played a factor by keeping some folks at home tied to their couches. Boy, did they play it smart?

Vols hosting the Gators

Right out of the gate, Tennessee made critical mistakes that led to 14 easy points for the Gators. Any seasoned Tennessee fan could see the writing on the wall at this point, but everyone powered through hoping for some nighttime magic. The magic would never materialize. The Vols could never get anything going offensively. They made miscue after miscue.

I spoke about Pruitt being a huge proponent of the turnover battle. His squad failed horribly in that facet. They turned the ball over a sickening, six times on Saturday. It’s almost impossible to win a football game if you’re going to gift your opponent the football six times. But it’s even more impossible when you’re playing an SEC rival like Florida.

With that being said this game was a lot closer than it should have been. Florida is a mediocre squad at best. They failed to capitalize on the bulk of Tennessee’s mistakes. If you factor in the number of times Florida started their offensive series in enemy territory, you begin to realize that Tennessee’s defense held their own most of the game.

The Vols controlled the clock which is another Pruitt staple. They didn’t control the line of scrimmage though. The offensive linemen were being blown off the ball the whole game. The running backs had zero holes. The quarterbacks had zero time. Overall, it was one of the worst offensive performances I’ve ever witnessed.

Any bright spots on offense were quickly wiped away by boneheaded mistakes. The Austin Pope fumble out of the back of the end zone will haunt my nightmares for years to come. A beautifully drawn up and executed fourth down play, and bam a turnover at the goal line before the easy score. That play perfectly sums up this team.

It’s just apparently not all there for these guys. They have a long way to go before they are competitive in conference play. Which, unfortunately, means that Tennessee fans will have to weather an unprecedented two-year span before their team wins an SEC game.

So, buckle in Vols fans this is going to be a rocky road on Rocky Top.

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(Photo Courtesy FloridaGators.com)<

]]>https://www.secbeyond.com/2018/09/25/tennessee-vols-how-bad-are-they/feed/0Snell Shines for Wildcats, Aggies Visit Tide for Top 25 Battlehttps://www.secbeyond.com/2018/09/20/snell-shines-for-wildcats-football/
https://www.secbeyond.com/2018/09/20/snell-shines-for-wildcats-football/#respondThu, 20 Sep 2018 05:08:01 +0000https://www.secbeyond.com/?p=921We are starting to reach the tough part of the schedule where seasons are either made or broken. Individual players are beginning to shine as well, so it’s an overall exciting time of the year. We’ve handpicked a player and matchups that are worthy of further examination.

Player to Watch

Benny Snell Jr. has been quietly making waves at Kentucky. While most people outside of the SEC haven’t heard much about him, he’s steadily become one of the best running backs in the league. He’s always been productive, but often his name was lost among other star Wildcats like Stanley “Boom” Williams.

He’s second in the SEC in rushing yards right now and is the key piece in an exciting offense. He should keep getting a bunch of touches so expect him to have an impressive season. He’s a powerful runner who doesn’t go down on the first contact. But he also has the speed and agility to be an elusive runner in the open field. “Of his 175 yards at Florida, 122 came after contact, according to ProFootballFocus.” Those are the type of numbers that will start to earn you a lot of praise. If he can continue that success all season, then he will be among the select few who are considered for the Heisman conversation.

All of that success should snowball into him jumping into the 2nd round of the draft. Depending on how his season and combine performance go he could go as high as 1st round.

Games of the Week

NFL

Raiders vs. Dolphins

Gruden is still hunting for that first win in his new tenure. He’s had some tough losses and is still taking a ton of heat for the Khalil Mack trade. To compound the matter, Mack has been playing better than the entire Raiders defense so far in Chicago. I think Gruden will need some time to mold his players into the scheme he wants to run. Without Mack, they will need to address the pass rush issues. LSU rookie Arden Key is a guy that they need to step up. He has the tools to be a really good defensive end he just needs to catch up to the speed of the NFL. Amari Cooper (Alabama) is their go-to receiver in this offense. After only registering one catch against the Rams he managed to haul in ten catches last week. He’s almost back to WR1 status in fantasy leagues.

The Dolphins have looked fairly impressive so far. They earned a weird win against the Titans in week one. And they won this past week as well. Adam Gase has brought some new life into the Dolphins it appears. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill (Texas A&M) has looked like his usual self after missing all of 2017. Kenyan Drake (Alabama) is a game changer at running back. He adds another dimension to an offense that has looked fine-tuned through two games. I would have him in my fantasy lineup this week if you’re in a deep league. He’s a solid RB2 option.

I think this is going to be close game based upon how these two teams matchup. Ultimately, I think Gruden gets his first victory in his second Raiders tenure.

Sun 9/23 – 1:00 ET – CBS

Final Score: 28-24 Raiders

SEC

#22 Texas A&M vs. #1 Alabama

The season may still be young, but it already looks like no one can stop Alabama. Saban has his team firing on all cylinders through the first three games. They’ll face a tough Texas A&M squad led by Jimbo Fisher. It’ll be the first SEC matchup in what should be many for the two coaches now that Fisher is leading the Aggies. The quarterback controversy quickly turned into a quarterback revelation. Alabama seemingly has figured out how to operate an offense using two quarterbacks equally. The hallmark of this team yet again is there insanely good defense. They just don’t let anyone score, and they make dynamic plays all across the board.

Jimbo will need all the help he can get if he wants to squeak out a win against his former boss. He’s got his team in a good position through three games. They are 2-1 with their only loss being a two-point heartbreaker against third-ranked Clemson. Kellen Mond has been electric at the quarterback position and could give the tide defense some fits with his athletic ability. The offense put up over 500 yards against Clemson so they should be able to get some sort of production against Alabama.

The current spread has Alabama winning by 27. I’m not sure they cover, but I do think they continue their 50 point streak.

Sat 9/22 – 3:30 ET – CBS

Final Score: 52-35 Alabama

Florida vs. Tennessee

This long-standing rivalry will feature two head coaches in their first year at their respective schools. They will both be trying to secure a win to start their new rivalry. Florida coach Dan Mullen has taken a lot of flack early in Gainesville for his soccer mom euphemisms that sound eerily like a certain Tennessee head coach who now makes coffee runs for Nick Saban. SEC fan bases are vicious animals when it comes to unproductive sugar coaters. Dan Mullen quieted a lot of those naysayers this past weekend with a solid win against Colorado State, but he will need to prove himself against his SEC East foes.

On the flip side of the champions of life spectrum, we have new Tennessee head coach Jeremy Pruitt. He is not a long-winded fellow and likes to be to the point and very matter of fact. He learned well under Saban at Alabama, and I’m sure he gleaned information from Jimbo and Kirby Smart during his Florida State and Georgia tenures. His brand of football is old school in its feel but very much modern in its scope. Even though they go into I-formation and throw to tight ends in the flat, they’ll still run RPO plays. Pruitt is in the same boat as Mullen in that he also needs to prove he can win against SEC teams. It’ll be a good test for both coaches.

I think that Florida is more polished at this point and they have more talent on their roster than Tennessee. But I love everything about what Pruitt is doing in Knoxville, and I think he’ll have his young guys ready for a statement win under the lights in Neyland Stadium. Go Vols.

Sat 9/22 – 7:00 ET – ESPN

Final Score: 35-24 Tennessee

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